Statement from Professional Game Board Chairman, Chris Booy OBE

Thursday, April 9th 2020

The Professional Game Board recognises the challenge and impact that the COVID-19 virus is having on clubs, players, referees and supporters across England as well as the rest of the world but recognise this moment as possibly the most pivotal in the game since the game turned professional.

All members of the PGB are working in close collaboration to discuss the wide issues facing the game.

We have established a more frequent programme of virtual meetings to actively discuss collective proposals informing future policy in the best interests of the professional rugby game in England. These proposals will take into account player welfare, financing and season structure.

The PGB was formed in 2008 out of the Professional Game Agreement between the RFU and Premiership Rugby and the individual clubs. Members of the PGB include representatives from the RFU, Premiership Rugby, the Greene King IPA Championship and the Rugby Players Association.